Establish a global think-tank on aviation and aerospace research with focus on air transport, sustainable infrastructure and human resource development safety, security and tourism issues.

Aims to provide intellectual protection of the UAE national and global investment in aviation and aerospace.

Dubai, 15th November 2007: Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, (DAE) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have signed an agreement to strengthen the regional aviation and aerospace sector through several path-breaking initiatives.

The two organisations will join forces in initiating research and addressing issues of air transport policy, sustainable infrastructure and human resource development, environment, tourism, security and safety. Other pioneering initiatives include the establishment of the UAE/ICAO Centre for Aerospace Research and Development, a national initiative in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UAE GCAA, DAE, and all other aviation stakeholders in the UAE. Under the parameters of this collaboration, ICAO, the GCAA and DAE University (DAEU) will convene a global conference to address the; Impact of Air Transport on Climate Change in Dubai in early 2008.

Bob Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, said: "The agreement between DAE and GCAA sets a new direction of growth for aerospace and aviation research in the region. For the first time, the lead players in the sector are joining hands to share their learning. This will create a new international reference point for aviation and aerospace-related research from the region."

Dr. George H. Ebbs, President and Chief Executive Officer, DAEU, added: "Reliable aerospace and aviation education and research data will be key determinants of the future of the industry in the region, and to this end, it is important that the main players join hands and pool their knowledge base. The agreement will therefore have far-reaching influence on the way the industry takes shape regionally."

DAEU and GCAA will also develop an aviation leadership programme for exceptional high school graduates, thus paving the way for a career in the aviation industry. "The leadership programme for UAE nationals will help the country build a pool of talented and experienced aviation and aerospace personnel," observed Mohamed G. Al Gaith, Director General, GCAA. "This educational initiative is one of the focal areas of the agreement and will encourage more students to gain world-class aviation education in the country itself."

Jalal Haidar, Permanent Representative of the UAE to ICAO, added: "The UAE/ICAO Centre for Aerospace Research and Development, one of the initiatives outlined in the agreement, is poised to become a global think-tank. It will serve as a repository for aviation and aerospace related data focused on the region and beyond and will have an industry-led, applied research approach that capitalizes on global expertise. The Centre will further aim to provide intellectual protection of the UAE's national investment in the aviation and aerospace sectors, and develop a new generation of aviation professionals."

 A global conference on the impact of air transport on climate change - another initiative as part of this agreement - is a proactive move from the region to address this pressing global concern, To be held from March 9 to 11, 2008, the Conference will bring together leaders from industry, government, academia and international organizations to discuss the challenges facing air transport in this field.

-Ends-

About DAE University
Based in Dubai , DAE University is the education and training arm of Dubai Aerospace Enterprise offering world-class aviation education programmes. DAE University which opened its doors in October 2006 is the first of its kind in the Middle East region to offer comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programmes in aerospace-focused business and engineering. Plans also include a Ph.D. program in the near future.

DAE University also offers students an innovative approach to flight training. The program combines superior aeronautical academics with advanced aircraft and flight simulation in a proficiency-based flight training environment at its DAE Flight Academy facility in Ras Al Khaimah.

For press information on DAE University please contact - Andrea Jaishankar on 00971 50 5526329 or andreaj@promoseven.com 

About DAE
DAE is a fast developing global aerospace, manufacturing and services corporation made up of six divisions - DAE Airports , DAE Capital, DAE Engineering, DAE Manufacturing, DAE Services and DAE University.

Headquartered in Dubai, the group is growing through a series of phased developments and acquisitions to become a global player and to produce an integrated aerospace cluster, based at Dubai World Central - the new 140 square kilometre airport and logistics city being constructed in Jebel Ali, Dubai. It is forming international partnerships at the highest level of industry with the aim of establishing one of the most innovative and successful businesses in the global aerospace industry within the next decade. 

DAE's shareholders include EMAAR, ISTITHMAR, Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), Dubai International Capital, DIFC Investments LLC, the Government of Dubai and AMLAK Finance. 

DAE Press Office:
David Wilson, Steve Double or Neville Rawlings
Bell Pottinger Public Relations
dae@bell-pottinger.co.uk

Ph: +44 207 861 3998 or +44 7917 067580 
DAE Corporate Communications
Dana Salloum
dana.salloum@dubaiaerospace.com
Ph: +971 506519672

© Press Release 2007